In Our Time: Benjamin Disraeli – A Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: October 17, 2024 | Host: Melvyn Bragg | Guests: Lawrence Goldman, Emily Jones, Daisy Hay

Introduction to Benjamin Disraeli

The episode opens with an introduction to Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), a pivotal figure in Victorian British politics. Disraeli served twice as Prime Minister and had extended periods as Leader of the Opposition. Renowned for his oratory skills in Parliament, Disraeli also expressed his views through popular novels like "Sybil" and "Coningsby," which laid the groundwork for the concept of "one nation conservatism." His nuanced identity as a Jewish-born individual who converted to Anglicanism played a significant role in his political journey.

Early Life and Education

Emily Jones delves into Disraeli’s formative years, highlighting his upbringing in a literary household. Although Disraeli humorously claimed to have been "born in a library" (01:54), he was actually the second of four children in the Disraeli family. His early education was unconventional, attending a tiny school in Islington followed by a non-conformist boarding school in Blackheath. After his baptism into the Anglican Church, he was relocated to an Anglican school in Epping Forest, where he faced considerable unhappiness and possible bullying, leading to his removal at age 15.

Emily Jones notes:

"His education is a bit patchy, but what he does have is a literary education in Isaac's library. He reads and reads and reads" (03:00).

Disraeli’s self-education continued as he spent about a year reading extensively in his father’s library after leaving school.

Religious Conversion and Its Impact

The conversation shifts to Disraeli’s baptism into the Anglican Church, a strategic move orchestrated by his father, Isaac Disraeli, in 1817. This conversion was pivotal, enabling Benjamin to pursue a political career, as non-Christians were barred from becoming Members of Parliament or entering the Inns of Court to become lawyers.

Melvin Bragg adds:

"It enabled much of the career which happened afterwards" (03:17).

This dual outsider status—Jewish by birth but Anglican by conversion—placed Disraeli in a unique position, allowing him to navigate British public life while still experiencing underlying antisemitism.

Early Financial Struggles and Marriage

Disraeli's early financial endeavors were marked by significant setbacks. He invested in South African mining shares and attempted to launch a newspaper, both of which resulted in substantial losses. These challenges persisted until his marriage to Mary Ann Lewis in 1839, a union initially perceived by others as a marriage of convenience due to her wealth.

Emily Jones describes Mary Ann:

"She's a bit of a rackety character... a tiny little vivacious woman" (11:13).

Their marriage provided Disraeli with financial stability, crucial for his political ambitions, especially since Members of Parliament were not salaried and faced financial liabilities upon dissolution of Parliament.

Political Beginnings and Young England

Disraeli's political alignment gravitated towards the Tories as he distanced himself from the Whigs, whom he criticized as "anti-national" and "Venetian oligarchs" (08:27). His literary works, particularly "Coningsby" and "Sybil," reflected his political philosophies. Disraeli spearheaded the "Young England" movement, a group of backbench Tory MPs advocating for a romantic conservatism that emphasized social unity and the preservation of established institutions.

Melvin Bragg explains:

"They represent the protectionist interest... Disraeli is suddenly thrown to the very center of politics" (17:11).

This ideological stance positioned Disraeli against the Liberal Tories led by Robert Peel, culminating in the pivotal debate over the Corn Laws in 1846.

Literary Career and Novels

Disraeli was not only a politician but also a prolific novelist. His literary works, including "Coningsby" (1837), "Sybil" (1845), and "Tancred" (1847), were integral to his political expression. "Sybil," in particular, addressed pressing social issues like agricultural depression and Chartist movements, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences and influencing socio-economic discourse.

Emily Jones highlights:

"Sybil covers a huge range of themes... it caused a kind of sensation" (21:49).

These novels served as vehicles for Disraeli to explore and advocate for his vision of societal reform, melding romance with political and social commentary.

Relationship with Queen Victoria

Initially, Queen Victoria harbored reservations about Disraeli, influenced by his perceived role in Robert Peel's political decline and her disdain for Mary Ann's vivacity. However, following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Disraeli cultivated a profound and respectful relationship with the Queen, marked by mutual understanding and emotional support.

Emily Jones recounts:

"The relationship really took flight... gifts were exchanged... she remained very attached to him" (32:56).

This bond significantly enhanced Disraeli's political stature and influence within the British establishment.

Achievements as Prime Minister

Disraeli's tenure as Prime Minister is marked by several key achievements:

1. Parliamentary Reform (1867 Reform Act): Disraeli championed a more radical version of the Reform Act, doubling the electorate from 1 million to 2 million adult males. This act was pivotal in expanding democratic participation and was seen by supporters as the foundation of "Tory democracy."

   Emily Jones notes:

   "The act is far more radical than the bill proposed by the Liberals" (29:37).

2. Social Legislation (1875): Under his leadership, numerous bills addressing housing, public health, food adulteration, and trade unions were passed, reflecting his commitment to improving the living conditions of the populace.

3. Imperial and Foreign Policy: Disraeli focused on strengthening the British Empire, exemplified by the purchase of the Suez Canal shares, the proclamation of Queen Victoria as Empress of India, and pivotal involvement in the Congress of Berlin (1878). His foreign policy aimed to maintain the balance of power in Europe and counter Russian expansionism.

   Melvin Bragg emphasizes:

   "He dominated the Congress of Berlin... it may well be the last time that a British statesman dominated a European diplomatic congress" (41:07).

One Nation Conservatism and Legacy

The concept of "One Nation Conservatism" often attributed to Disraeli, signifies a socially conscious form of conservatism that seeks national unity while preserving existing institutions. While Disraeli's policies and literary works exhibit elements aligning with this ideology, Daisy Hay cautions against anachronistic interpretations:

"It's unconvincing to portray Disraeli as simply an opportunist... it takes a huge amount of editing, adaptation, selection to extract Sybil in particular" (34:43).

Disraeli's legacy extends beyond his political achievements. His ability to resonate with both the middle and working classes through his novels and speeches solidified his enduring influence. Additionally, his relationship with Lady Disraeli and Queen Victoria cemented his status as a beloved statesman.

Melvin Bragg reflects:

"His instinct is always to admire things from the past and want to revere them... he becomes more British than the British" (47:05).

Disraeli's portrayal in cultural mediums, such as George Arliss's acclaimed performances, further immortalized his persona, blending political acumen with celebrity culture.

Final Thoughts and Bonus Material

In the bonus section, Emily Jones contrasts Disraeli with Edmund Burke, clarifying that while Disraeli admired Burke’s literary and political prowess, his own political philosophies were distinctly Tory rather than Whig. Daisy Hay adds depth by discussing Disraeli's personal life at Hughenden, his estate, emphasizing it as a sanctuary that provided him solace and inspiration.

Melvin Bragg concludes:

"He never left his Jewishness... his identity in politics is accepted because of his talents" (28:29).

The guests collectively underscore Disraeli’s multifaceted legacy as a politician, novelist, and cultural icon who adeptly navigated and shaped Victorian Britain.

Notable Quotes

• Emily Jones (03:00): "His education is a bit patchy, but what he does have is a literary education in Isaac's library. He reads and reads and reads."

• Emily Jones (08:27): "He has a very unique interpretation of post Reformation history... the Whigs he associates with the greedy land grabbers who appropriated lots of monastic land."

• Melvin Bragg (17:11): "They represent the protectionist interest... Disraeli is suddenly thrown to the very center of politics."

• Emily Jones (21:49): "Sybil covers a huge range of themes... it caused a kind of sensation."

• Melvin Bragg (28:29): "His identity in politics is accepted because of his talents."

• Emily Jones (43:57): "Talking about what Disraeli made of Burke really helps you to understand the difference between Whiggism and Toryism."

• Melvin Bragg (47:05): "He becomes more British than the British."

Conclusion

This episode of In Our Time offers a comprehensive exploration of Benjamin Disraeli's life, intertwining his personal experiences with his political and literary contributions. Through insightful discussions, the guests illuminate how Disraeli's unique background and multifaceted talents enabled him to leave an indelible mark on Victorian Britain and beyond.